The world's best-selling Opel turns 30 this year. In the period 1991 to 1997, an incredible 4,13 million Astras were sold. No other Opel model has been more popular - ever.
It is referred to as the Astra F despite being the first model with the Astra name. The model series began under the name "Kadett" as far back as the 30s. The model designations with letters did not begin until the 60s when the Kadett A appeared in 1962. The name "Kadett" was retained until 1991 when Opel chose to replace the outgoing Kadett E with the Astra F.
The story of Astra began with Kadett D
The Opel Kadett D appeared as a 1980 model. It was the first Kadett with a transverse engine with front-wheel drive and 3/5 door hatchback as standard. This was necessary for Opel to be able to compete with the Volkswagen Golf. After that, Golf and Kadett/Astra have figured at the top of the sales lists. When the Golf II arrived as a 1984 model, the Kadett E was launched. Similarly, in 1991 when the Golf III appeared, the new Astra F hit the market just a couple of months later. It is still like that.
The Eternal Two
In Norway, sales figures for the Golf have always been higher than the competitor from Opel. The Opel Kadett E was no worse car than the Golf II. They were different in several areas, but still very equal. The same can be said about the Astra F in relation to the Golf III. Golf and Astra have never been more equal. Nevertheless, the Golf retained the upper hand on the sales charts.
Safer
One of Astra's big advantages compared to its predecessor Kadett E and other contemporary competitors was high passive safety. From the outset, the Astra came with belt tensioners as standard. From 1993, you could choose an airbag on the driver's side as an option. From 1994, airbags on both front sides came as standard. Neck pillows in the back seat were also standard. The seats had a rail that prevented people from sliding under the belts in the event of a collision. 30 years ago, steel beams in the doors were a major safety advantage. Astra got 2 steel beams in each door.
Bigger
By moving the A-pillars further forward, the Astra gained both a more spacious feeling and better space than its predecessor. The Astra showed that cars in the compact class were suitable as full-fledged family cars. The Astra estate rivaled mid-range models in terms of space despite being only 4,28 meters long.
More recyclable
The Opel Kadett E (1984-1991) was an early adopter of using recyclable materials in the interior and exterior plastic – including in the bumpers. The disadvantages were that part of the interior could feel like papier-mâché and that the exterior plastic became discolored after a short time. The Opel Astra was to be even more recyclable. Fortunately, the interior felt more solid than in its predecessor. In the early 1990s, recyclability was one of the most important arguments for wooing environmentally conscious customers.
Astra F compared to Kadett E
I remember well my first drive with the Opel Astra. It was a test drive of a new station wagon with a 1,6 liter engine. I liked the feeling of a solid car - a kind of security feeling. It seemed heavier than the Kadett (E) I had previously owned. The soundscape seemed harsh during acceleration, and the drivetrain sent vibrations into the cabin. Compared to the Kadett E and Nissan Sunny - which I drove at the time - the steering in the Astra seemed lifeless. Plus for power steering. My conclusion was that this was no vehicle for "keen drivers". Nevertheless, we ordered a black metallic Astra 1,6 sedan with the "Young" equipment package. It consisted of a manual sunroof, upgraded seat covers, green stripes and separate wheel covers. With a new house and a family increase on the way, space and safety became decisive. Besides, it was a very beautiful car. More beautiful than the Golf III. Like the Opel, I felt that the Volkswagen Golf III had become heavier, less dynamic and less fun to drive than its predecessor the Golf II.
Veteran status?
At German car exchanges, Astra Fs have started to be advertised as collectors' cars. In Germany, cars first registered in 1991 can be registered as "vintage cars" with an "H" at the back of the plate. It provides tax and insurance benefits. Like other volume models, it may take time before the Astra F becomes a collector's car. If you post a rust-free Astra with low mileage today, you run the risk of it being bought as a used car. It is difficult to imagine the Astra F as worthy of preservation. At the same time, dealers of classic cars all over the world are now buying well-maintained examples of the Golf III. It has already become a classic.
Once again, it looks like the Astra will be a runner-up. But another Opel model is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. It's Opel Calibra. Undoubtedly a classic.
Facts about the Opel Astra F
About the model
Year of production: 1991-1996
Model year: 1992-1997
Place of production (Norwegian cars): Bochum, Germany
Facelift: 1994 with new grill and rear, painted bumpers and upgraded Ecotec engines. Airbag driver and passenger side standard.
Vauxhall: In Storbitannia, the name "Astra" was already used from 1980 when cars with front-wheel drive were introduced. The predecessor to British Astras was the Vauxhall Viva. The Astras for the British market are manufactured at Ellesmere Port near Liverpool.
Measurements and dimensions
Length height width
– 3/5 doors: 405 x 169 x 141 cm
– Sedan: 424 x 169 x 141 cm
– Station wagon w/roof rails: 428 x 169 x 153 cm
Wheelbase: 252 cm
Luggage compartment
– 3/5 doors: 360 litres
– Saloon: 500 litres
– Station wagon: 500 litres
Motorisation/performance
1,4 Ecotec 90 HP
– Top speed: 178 km/h
– 0-100: 13 seconds
1,6 Ecotec 101 HP
– Top speed: 190 km/h
– 0-100: 11,5 seconds
1,8 Ecotec 116 HP
– Top speed: 200 km/h
– 0-100: 9,5 seconds
Source: ultimatespecs.com
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